Lu‘ukai ROV

The School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (UHM) has a new 6000 meter-capable remotely operated vehicle (ROV), designed and constructed by Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (DOER). Named Lu‘ukai (sea diver), the DOER Marine H6000 ROV complements the capabilities of the existing fleet of UH manned, remotely operated, and autonomous underwater vehicles and will allow investigators to access the seabed of the majority of the Pacific Ocean. The new vehicle provides operational support and complements the science carried out by the human operated vehicles (HOV) Pisces IV and Pisces V. Designed for maximum maneuverability and mission flexibility, the Luukai has the ability to collect specimens; characterize substrates; capture video and still images of activities and surveys; monitor water column properties; install, connect and test seafloor equipment; and perform other specialized tasks.

Tether Management System (TMS) with capstan and slip ring winch drum for managing tether. TMS is deployed via the umbilical and is equipped with altimeter, compass, cameras, lights and USBL responder link. TMS is fitted with 110m of tether and can accommodate up to 200m.

Telemetry

1 GB Ethernet; all vehicle telemetry and HD video will be transmitted via a single fiber (this can support a variety of sensors including new-generation imaging multi-beams sonar). Spare fiber available for custom applications.